Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part Two - The Food

Monday, April 23, 2012

We checked in at Manila Hotel around 1pm and have not eaten lunch yet. Buffet lunch at Cafe Ilang-ilang is until 2:30. I know I will not enjoy a "time pressured" lunch. We opted to have a light meal at the lobby lounge.


The two ladies assigned at the Lobby Lounge were too busy folding table napkins while chatting. We were trying to get their attention for a few minutes but they were too inattentive. We were only two tables away from them. My husband approached them instead and asked for the menu.


After we ordered, the girl started setting the table.


free peanuts!

We waited for fifteen minutes for the food. Enjoyed listening to the old lady playing the piano while waiting. I approached her and asked if it's okay to take a picture of her.


I thanked her and she smiled when I told her she's got the best job in the world! I'm not trying to flatter her. I'm sincere! I know because I also play the piano :)


Iced Tea


Clubhouse Sandwich for hubby


Fish and fries

Verdict: The fish is malansa and the fries too greasy. :(

We stayed in the room the whole afternoon. Then my husband attended their company's 10th Anniversary Celebration. I went down around 8pm. I was actually planning to go to the Tap Room Bar.  I asked the receptionist about the schedule of the Jazz Singer. I still need to wait for one more hour.


Meanwhile, the orchestra was playing a beautiful song. The lobby lounge almost fully occupied by Korean guests. I shared a table with two Korean ladies. They are great audience. They clap after every song.


I only ordered a drink. I don't feel comfortable eating a full meal while sharing a table with strangers. I was glad the lady assigned at the lounge is very attentive! (If I remember it right, her name is Sheila.)

It was past midnight when I got hungry. I called the room service and ordered Kare-Kare (oxtail and tripe cooked in peanut sauce with vegetables).


 The Kare-kare is soooo DELICIOUS!!! The veggies are crunchy and the tripe tender. Very generous serving. This is good for 2-3 persons already and costs only P500.

Verdict: Two thumbs up!!! :D

Breakfast the next morning was at Cafe Ilang-Ilang. I checked out the buffet. I don't know why dishes don't look appealing. May be because of the delicious Kare-kare I had six hours prior to breakfast. I don't feel hungry.


lettuce, cucumber, pineapple and smoked salmon


 beef dimsum, pork roast, bacon and garlic rice


half bowl of congee with a slice of century egg


pork bun and chicken siomai


Next: Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part Three - Recreation


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Manila Hotel Weekend Escape Part One - The Hotel

Sunday, April 22, 2012

"Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, the Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience."

 What do General MacArthur, The Beatles and Me have in common?

We all stayed at Manila Hotel.

The first time we were at Manila Hotel, it was when Manny Pacquiao arrived from a fight against Hector Velazquez in September 2005. We did not stay here. We were going to Coco Beach and the private van picked us up at the hotel. My first impression of Manila Hotel -- dated!

In 2008, Manila Hotel started renovating the rooms and updated the facilities. All of the rooms are now fully refurbished. Just in time for the centennial celebration on October 2012.


I booked a Superior Deluxe room for an overnight stay. The rates are surprisingly cheaper compared to Mandarin Oriental where we stayed a month ago. I paid PhP7995 (USD190) nett inclusive of buffet breakfast for two and free wifi. Check in was fuss free. We arrived 1pm and the room is ready. Valet parking very efficient.


The room is located on the far end of the 12th floor beside the corner room.


Intramuros and the Golf Course 

This is the view from our Superior Deluxe room on the 12th floor.


Senso Memory Foam Mattress

I was delighted Manila Hotel uses Senso Memory Foam mattress. We have the same mattress at home. It's very comfy for my back. I had the most restful hotel sleep that night.


Pillows, pillows and more pillows!


The sitting area


The Mini Bar

Disappointing!  The outlet for the kettle is not working. There is only Chips Ahoy and Mixed Nuts on the shelf. The mini ref is also not fully stocked.


I was checking out the booze


iPod Docking Station/Alarm Clock


The Bathroom

Newly redesigned bathroom with Italian marble, bathtub and waterproof LCD tv


A separate walk-in rain shower room


Acca Kappa toiletries





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OPM2Go

Thursday, April 19, 2012


STOP Piracy!
NO to nakawload!


Launched last March 28 at Eastwood Citywalk, OPM2Go is an online store where you can download an original song for only P15. Spearheaded by OPM2Go Chairman Mr Ogie Alcasid,  the project aims to revive the Philippine Music Industry by encouraging the music lovers to shun away from piracy.

It is about time that we Filipinos support each other. The price of the songs is very affordable. The money you pay will go directly to the artist. Even the old songs are available for download. You are assured of the quality of music you download. 

Why waste money buying pirated cds?

Why download illegally when you can buy it for P15?

A TRUE music lover does not steal.

Don't make yourself a thief.

BUY.

SUPPORT.

To quote Mr Ogie Alcasid --

"I hope that both the industry and music lovers will realize that we are trying to do more than just sell songs; that we also want to be part of something bigger than what we can imagine."
 LET US ALL BE A PART OF THE SUCCESS OF OPM.
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